Nebraska Cancer Specialists Research Department Becomes Real-Life Guardian Angel
OMAHA, NE – Cindy is defying the odds and rewriting her story, thanks to a groundbreaking clinical trial. After exhausting nearly all standard treatment options for renal cell carcinoma, Cindy joined a phase-one trial offered at NCS.
“The first CAT scan showed my tumor was shrinking,” she said. “There’s been no new growth since then—everything is stable.”
Her remarkable progress highlights the life-saving potential of innovative research and the expertise of NCS’s dedicated team.
As we continued our conversation, Cindy shared she was also getting ready to go on a vacation with her husband. “This is something I never thought I would be able to do – but I get to still make memories with my family.”
Cindy’s journey through years of treatment has been fraught with challenges, resilience, and hope.
“I’ve been through so much—seven different drugs, immunotherapy, and even becoming a type 1 diabetic after a severe reaction to treatment,” Cindy shared. “But through it all, my faith and the incredible team at NCS have kept me going.”
Cindy’s journey with renal cell carcinoma began with the standard of care: oral medications and then progressed to more aggressive treatments. Despite setbacks, including severe reactions that landed her in the ICU twice, Cindy’s determination never wavered.
In August 2023, after exhausting multiple treatment options, Cindy was offered a spot in a phase one clinical trial. The trial represented a new chapter in her fight against cancer.
“I remember Dr. Hauke and his nurse wrote down two clinical trials for me,” Cindy said. “It was a hard decision—whether to keep fighting or not—but then I got a call from Joshua Settlemire, part of the NCS research team. He told me they’d been waiting for me.”
Josh’s compassionate approach left an incredible mark on Cindy. “He told me I had guardian angels looking out for me,” she said tearfully. “I honestly believe Josh is one of those angels. He gave me hope when I needed it most.”
Since starting the trial, Cindy’s results have been promising. “The first CAT scan showed my tumor was shrinking,” she said. “There’s been no new growth since then—everything is stable.” Stability has become a mantra for Cindy and her family. Her daughter-in-law even made her a shirt that reads Stable is Good, which she proudly wears to her appointments.
Beyond medical care, NCS has provided holistic support to Cindy through programs like yoga and strength classes for patients and their families. “My husband and I go three times a week,” she said. “We’ve built amazing relationships with other patients there—it’s like a second family.”
Cindy credits her survival not only to advanced medical treatments but also to the personal connections she’s formed with her NCS care team. “Every single person at NCS has been part of my journey,” she said. “From the nurses to the lab staff to the receptionists—they’re all incredible.”
Cindy shares some final words. “Two years ago, my dad died of colon cancer. He had been on a clinical trial for colon cancer. I told him, ‘Dad, I’m so sorry you suffered this past year.’ And he said, ‘I didn’t suffer. This was a gift, and I will help somebody else.’ And you know, I believe this is my purpose right now, too. I get to help other people, be a part of their journeys, and I can tell them it’s going to be okay.”
As Cindy continues her fight, she remains steadfast in her faith and gratitude. “God has put every one of these people in front of me to help me through this battle,” she said. “I feel good; I’m living life—and that’s what matters.”
-Published 9/2024
